Identifying Antique Platform Rocking Chairs
Platform rocking chairs are a unique and beloved style of furniture that has been popular for centuries. These chairs are characterized by their sturdy construction, comfortable design, and distinctive rocking mechanism. Identifying antique platform rocking chairs requires understanding their key features and characteristics, including their platform base, rocking mechanism, materials, and design elements.
Platform Base and Rocking Mechanism
The platform base is the defining feature of a platform rocking chair. This base is typically wider and more substantial than the base of a traditional rocking chair. It provides a stable foundation for the chair and contributes to its durability. The rocking mechanism of a platform rocking chair is also unique. The rockers are usually attached to the platform base, rather than the chair frame itself. This design allows for a smoother and more comfortable rocking motion.
Materials Used in Antique Platform Rocking Chairs
Antique platform rocking chairs were crafted from a variety of materials, each contributing to their unique character and value.
- Wood Types: Common wood types used in antique platform rocking chairs include oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and mahogany. These woods were chosen for their strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Oak, known for its durability and distinctive grain pattern, was often used for the frame and rockers. Maple, prized for its hardness and smooth finish, was a popular choice for chair seats and backs. Cherry, with its warm reddish-brown hues, added a touch of elegance. Walnut, known for its rich color and distinctive grain, was often used for accent pieces and decorative elements. Mahogany, renowned for its deep reddish-brown color and elegant grain, was favored for its luxurious appearance.
- Upholstery: Antique platform rocking chairs often featured upholstery made from materials such as leather, fabric, and cane. Leather, known for its durability and classic appeal, was a popular choice for upholstery. Fabric upholstery, ranging from simple cotton to elaborate brocades, added a touch of softness and style. Cane, a woven material made from rattan or bamboo, provided a breathable and comfortable seating surface.
- Finishes: Antique platform rocking chairs often showcased a variety of finishes, including paint, stain, and varnish. Painted finishes, often in bright colors, were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Stained finishes, which enhanced the natural beauty of the wood, became more common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Varnished finishes provided a protective layer and enhanced the wood’s shine.
Design Elements of Antique Platform Rocking Chairs
The design elements of antique platform rocking chairs reflect the styles and trends of their time.
- Chair Backs: Antique platform rocking chairs featured a variety of chair backs, ranging from simple straight backs to elaborate curved backs. Some chairs had slatted backs, while others had solid panels. The height and shape of the chair back varied depending on the style and era of the chair.
- Armrests: Armrests on antique platform rocking chairs were often designed for comfort and support. Some chairs had simple, straight armrests, while others had more elaborate curved armrests. The shape and size of the armrests varied depending on the style and era of the chair.
- Seat Styles: Antique platform rocking chairs featured a variety of seat styles, ranging from simple flat seats to more elaborate contoured seats. Some chairs had upholstered seats, while others had cane seats. The shape and size of the seat varied depending on the style and era of the chair.
Historical Context and Styles
The evolution of the platform rocking chair is a fascinating journey through American history, reflecting changing tastes, materials, and craftsmanship. From its humble beginnings in the 18th century to its modern interpretations, the platform rocker has consistently offered comfort and elegance.
Early Beginnings and the Rise of the Platform Rocker
The platform rocker emerged in the 18th century as a variation on the traditional rocking chair. Early examples often featured simple construction with a platform base and a slatted back. These chairs were typically made of wood, often maple or cherry, and were often hand-crafted. As the 19th century progressed, platform rockers became increasingly popular, particularly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. This rise in popularity was fueled by several factors, including the increasing availability of skilled craftspeople, the growing popularity of rocking chairs as a symbol of comfort and leisure, and the emergence of new design trends.
Victorian Era Platform Rockers: Opulence and Ornamentation
The Victorian era (1837-1901) was a time of great change and innovation in platform rocking chair design. Victorian-era platform rockers were characterized by their elaborate ornamentation, intricate carvings, and use of luxurious materials. Popular styles included the “Eastlake” style, which featured simple lines and geometric patterns, and the “Queen Anne” style, which was known for its curves and flowing lines. Materials such as mahogany, walnut, and rosewood were frequently used, and chairs were often upholstered in rich fabrics like velvet and brocade. Notable makers of this era include the esteemed cabinetmaker John Henry Belter, known for his innovative bentwood techniques, and the prolific furniture maker John and Joseph Meeks, who produced a wide range of Victorian-era furniture, including platform rockers.
Arts and Crafts Movement: Simplicity and Functionality, Antique platform rocking chair identification
In contrast to the opulence of Victorian-era design, the Arts and Crafts movement (1880-1920) emphasized simplicity, functionality, and the use of natural materials. Arts and Crafts platform rockers often featured clean lines, sturdy construction, and minimal ornamentation. They were typically made of oak, maple, or other hardwoods, and were often finished with natural stains or paints. Notable makers of this era include Gustav Stickley, known for his iconic “Mission” style furniture, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh, who designed furniture with a distinctive geometric aesthetic.
Mid-Century Modern: Streamlined Design and Innovation
Mid-Century Modern design (1930-1965) emerged as a reaction to the ornate styles of the past, embracing streamlined forms, clean lines, and innovative materials. Mid-Century Modern platform rockers often featured simple, geometric shapes, with a focus on comfort and functionality. Materials such as plywood, metal, and plastic were frequently used, and chairs were often upholstered in bold fabrics like leather and vinyl. Notable designers of this era include Eero Saarinen, known for his iconic “Tulip” chair, and Charles and Ray Eames, who designed a wide range of furniture, including platform rockers.
Identifying Makers and Identifying Marks: Antique Platform Rocking Chair Identification
Identifying the maker of an antique platform rocking chair can significantly enhance its value and historical significance. Understanding the characteristics and identifying marks of various makers allows you to trace the chair’s origin and appreciate its craftsmanship.
Identifying Makers and Identifying Marks: A Guide to Authentication
Identifying the maker of an antique platform rocking chair can be challenging, but with careful examination and research, it is possible to authenticate the piece. This section provides a comprehensive guide to identifying makers and their distinctive features, including marks, stamps, labels, and other identifying characteristics.
Common Makers of Antique Platform Rocking Chairs
The following table showcases some common makers of antique platform rocking chairs, their distinctive features, and identifying marks. This information can help you narrow down the maker of your chair and begin the authentication process.
| Maker | Distinctive Features | Identifying Marks |
|—|—|—|
| The Stickley Brothers | Known for their Arts and Crafts movement designs, often featuring natural materials and simple lines. | “Stickley Bros.” or “L. & J. G. Stickley” stamp or label, sometimes with a number or date. |
| Gustav Stickley | Founded the Craftsman Workshops, producing furniture with a distinctive “Mission” style. | “Craftsman” or “Gustav Stickley” stamp or label, often with a number or date. |
| Herschede Hall Clock Company | Primarily known for their clocks, but also produced high-quality furniture, including platform rocking chairs. | “Herschede Hall Clock Co.” or “Herschede” stamp or label, often with a number or date. |
| The Limbert Company | Known for their Arts and Crafts movement designs, often featuring natural materials and simple lines. | “Limbert” or “The Limbert Company” stamp or label, sometimes with a number or date. |
| The Roycroft | Known for their Arts and Crafts movement designs, often featuring natural materials and simple lines. | “Roycroft” or “Elbert Hubbard” stamp or label, sometimes with a number or date. |
Examining Furniture for Maker’s Marks
When examining an antique platform rocking chair for maker’s marks, it is crucial to be meticulous and pay attention to detail. These marks can be found in various locations, including:
- Underneath the seat: Many makers would stamp or label their chairs on the underside of the seat, often hidden from view.
- On the underside of the chair frame: The underside of the chair frame, particularly the stretcher or rails, can also house maker’s marks.
- On the back of the chair: Some makers would include their mark on the back of the chair, often discreetly integrated into the design.
- On the chair’s hardware: Hardware like screws, nails, or hinges can sometimes bear maker’s marks or stamps.
- Attached labels: Antique platform rocking chairs may have attached labels that identify the maker and potentially the date of manufacture.
Consulting Reputable Resources
Once you have examined your chair for maker’s marks, it is essential to consult reputable resources to confirm your findings and gain a deeper understanding of the chair’s history. Some valuable resources include:
- Antique furniture reference books: Books specializing in antique furniture, such as “The Encyclopedia of Antique Furniture” by Charles Beard, can provide detailed information about makers, styles, and identifying marks.
- Online databases: Websites like the “Antiques Roadshow” website offer a searchable database of antique furniture makers and their identifying marks.
- Expert appraisers: Consulting a qualified antique furniture appraiser can provide expert authentication and valuation for your chair.
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